Wound Suturing

A cut in the kitchen, with a tool or in a fall does not have to mean the emergency room. At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Pasadena it is cleaned, closed with stitches under local anesthesia and sent home with care instructions, with no appointment and at a fraction of a hospital's cost.

Which wounds need stitches?

Those that open the skin and whose edges do not come together on their own, those longer than a centimeter, deep ones that show fat or muscle, those that keep bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure and those in areas of movement or visibility, such as hands, joints or face. Scrapes and shallow cuts that close by themselves do not need them; they are cleaned and dressed.

How long do I have to get stitches?

Ideally within the first 6 to 8 hours; on the face and scalp, where circulation is good, up to 24 hours. After that, closing the wound raises the risk of infection and the physician may choose to leave it open and treat it. On your way, press with a clean gauze and do not apply home remedies.

What is the procedure like?

The wound is checked for foreign bodies and damage to tendons or nerves, washed under pressure with sterile solution, numbed with local anesthesia and closed with stitches, staples or adhesive depending on the site. It takes 20 to 40 minutes. If you do not remember your last tetanus booster or more than 5 years have passed and the wound is dirty, it is given that day: see vaccines.

When are stitches removed?

It depends on the area: face 5 to 7 days, scalp and trunk 7 to 10 days, arms and legs 10 to 14 days, and joints up to 14 days. Removal is done at the clinic in minutes, with no appointment. Adhesives and some absorbable stitches fall off on their own.

What care is needed at home?

Keep the dressing dry for 24 to 48 hours; after that, wash with water and mild soap, pat dry and cover. Do not soak the wound in a pool or bathtub until the stitches are out. Come before your follow-up if you see spreading redness, warmth, pus, increasing pain or fever.

How much do stitches cost in Pasadena?

We give you the price by phone at (281) 747-8817; it depends on the size and location. No health insurance is needed; we accept cash and cards. Stitch removal and follow-up dressings are quoted separately.

When should I go to the emergency room instead of the clinic?

Bleeding that does not stop with pressure, deep bite wounds, cuts with loss of sensation or movement, eye wounds, embedded objects, or very extensive cuts. For everything else, walk in from 9 AM to 9 PM. Wound follow-up is done under wound care.

Medical center near you in Pasadena and Houston, TX

We are a Hispanic clinic in the Houston, TX area: we care for patients across Pasadena and South Houston, South Belt, Genoa, Sagemont, Galena Park, Deer Park, Hobby (Houston) and surrounding communities.